The organ donation process through a review of the literature. Part I

This paper considers organ donation from a US perspective, including US statistics and legislation. In Part I, aspects discussed are 'required request', determining brain death, donor criteria and the roles and attitudes of nurses and organ recovery co-ordinators. Literature on the delicate issue of approaching families, and caring for them after the decision is made, is reviewed. Part II of the paper, to be published in the next issue, examines cultural, religious and ethical aspects of organ donation, and communicating with donor families, their misconceptions and their experiences. Finally, there is a discussion of the effects on the bereaved and their grieving process, and on nurses and their attitudes to their work.